Hey everyone, I'm new here, but was wondering if I could ask a question.

I'm thinking of doing a star wars themed cosplay (basically just going as a random sith, not any particular character), with clothes a little bit like the following link, just with the addition of a hood and a different mask.

However I want to ask about lightsabers. I obviously want something that looks good but is also practical - Like I don't want to actually fight with it, but for pictures with my friends I'd like to have something that's more than just belt decoration.

I've had pretty much two choices:
1: Buy a cheap kids toy version (around £20) with an okay look but importantly (even tho its cheap plastic) a retractable/flick out saber.
2: Buy a more expensive version from say Ultrasabers.com, (around £50) which is pretty realistic with lighting, however the 'blade' is not detachable.

I'm worried that it will be fragile or will become a hassle in crowded areas. Both the cheap and realistic sabers have down sides and up sides. The main down side is that the way I suspect I will have to holster the Ultra saber is with a sash like construction (a bit like that of Link from The Legend of Zelda), but i'm worried that this will spoil the effect because as far as I know, no single bladed saber has been draw from the character's back.

This is the 1st costume I've been thinking about making and will be the 1st cosplay event i will eventually go to with some friends, hence why i'm probably worrying for no reason hah.

The FX line of sabers is not overly expensive, and they are somewhat durable. You won't be allowed to beat on each other in public anyway, and it is a good and accurate look with a good beam effect for the cost of about 160.

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I like little plastic robots that make things go (fictionally) boom. Do you?

One thing I'd say is that it will probably be easier to put it in a waist sash/scabbard/holster/whatever.

Trying to unholster a sword from a back holster if it's longer than your arm or so (like in the picture) is impractical and you'll need help. Though I guess since it's not a real sword you could just end up having to tug on the "blade" itself after pulling it out a ways - but then you're adding risk of dropping it if it's off-balance and you'll also look hilarious trying to do it. ;p

Personally, I'd do a waist-holster and make a black scabbard - to give the illusion of it being "off". I don't think it would be too bulky/in the way if you situate it correctly.

I'd also say no to the plastic segmented ones because they just look silly. They're good if you want to LARP or something and actually hit each other, but not for looks.

The thing with Ultrasabers is that the blade IS detachable. You just need an allen key to remove it, and on their saber pages, where they show the list of options, there should be a box labelled "Include Retention Screw Wrench", with "No thanks" and "Sure" as your options.
Just pick "Sure", and for $1 extra, you get the little allen key wrench that allows you to take your blade out. You can easily put that wrench into a belt pouch, along with some spare batteries for your saber.

You mentioned a back scabbard? Do you mean have the blade detached in a scabbard then attach for photos?

You could, or just leave it attached and in the scabbard when not in use - just draw it to display - I don't think it would make a big difference since you'll still have to house both objects on your person and if you have long, flowing robes I feel the chance of it being "spotted" isn't much different.

You could also work a deep pocket into the robe and around the scabbard to make it even more invisible.

So it will end up being 'spotted' anyway I build it really. The combat cloak i've designed to also include a hood to the costume however, is not long enough to hide the detached 'blade'. Perhaps instead, as a dark side custom (with a mask) I could create some form of 'scabbard' that would be mounted on a sash, then built out to be basically a very long single pocket satchel, in the design of a life support system... Hmmm...